FASHION TREND REPORT EXCLUSIVELY FOR RANDOLPH STREET MARKET BY NENA IVON, nenasnotes

Burberry used gaberdine, a waterproof fabric, to make the military trench coats first worn in World War l. This iconic coat has seen many incarnations through the years going from being a military uniform to today’s Influencer’s uniforms. From it’s beginnings with Burberry and Aquascutum to John Galliano for Margiela. From film stars, often playing a character itself, to the Royals. From traditional fabrics to vinyl to exotic skins. The trench coat most certainly defines our monthly fashion theme of ALWAYS CLASSIC ALWAYS NEW!

Women, pictured in their trench coats, became extremely important to the war efforts serving in many necessary jobs and contributing to the advancement of the women’s suffragette movement, first in the UK then the States.

Popularized in print via photographs and illustrations, the trench coat became THE coat to own by men and women a trend that continues to this day a hundred years later.

“Both Aquascutum and Burberry take credit for having “invented” the WWI trench coat, but the truth is that the two firms helped popularize a type of coat already in existence, adapting it for military use. The image of the dashing upper-class officer, valiantly aiding in the war effort, while wearing his trench coat helped cement the panache of the style. Burberry and Aquascutum trench coats were expensive, affordable only for the well-to-do, but cheaper versions were marketed by scores of other retailers – much like today. Foreign soldiers and civilians began wearing the coat during the war, buying into its patriotic associations.” From British Vogue

When seeking vintage clothing educate yourself to authentic brand labels, talk with the dealers at the monthly Randolph Street Market and the twice annual RETROSPECT, they are eager to share their knowledge with you. When something interests you do your research and always, always buy it when you see it… you don’t want to miss a treasure to add to your wardrobe and many of the pieces (whether clothing or collectibles) are one of a kind.

I always like to suggest a book or two for you to learn more… here is one from Assouline THE TRENCH BOOK.

1940’s gentlemen in their trench coats and fedoras, most likely inspired by Humphrey Bogart in one of his many roles wearing trench coats, most notably, at least to me, Casablanca!!

More vintage inspiring now, worn then.

Bogart, Dietrich and Hepburn

More icons… Cara and Kate… more Audrey and Meryl…

One more Audrey with Hubert de Givenchy walking on the Seine.

Peter Sellers as Jacques Clouseau in The Pink Panther always in his white trench.

Peter Falk as the lovable Colombo, the trench coat, for both these detectives, were as much characters as the actors that wore them!

Christopher Bailey, in his reign as Burberry’s Creative Director… made Burberry, in my opinion, the fashion iconic brand it is today. Maintaining its tradition by adding modernity to make it fresh and newly desirable.

Looking at some “Street Fashion”

Rita Ora…

John Galliano for Margiela… deconstructed trench collection… fascinating interpretations of a tradition, made futuristic…

Or perhaps back to the traditional with the Royals and a First Lady…

Perhaps the longest lasting item of clothing starting at the beginning of the 20th Century as military garments becoming the iconic fashion we know today a hundred years later… the trench coat… always classic and definitely always new!!!

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by Nena Ivon
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All photos from Pinterest photo credits unknown.